Scientific/Technical Lead for STEM Programs

Argonne National Laboratory•Lemont, IL

4d•$69,750 - $134,626•Hybrid

About The Position

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a Scientific/Technical Lead for STEM Programs to serve as the scientific and technical lead for the National AI STEM Educator Jam. This DOE-wide initiative engages STEM education leaders at all 17 national laboratories in an immersive experience using artificial intelligence to investigate authentic scientific challenges. The role involves designing and evolving the scientific challenge framework, leading facilitator training, and playing a key role in planning and implementing Argonne’s local Jam event. This is a hybrid position requiring on-site presence a minimum of 2–3 days per week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, data science, or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred but not required. Demonstrated technical experience and expertise may be considered in lieu of advanced education.
Demonstrated experience working with LLMs in technical workflows, including prompt engineering, data analysis, agentic systems, and an understanding of model capabilities and limitations.
Strong scientific foundation with demonstrated ability to apply AI tools to scientific inquiry; experience in a specific STEM domain highly desired.
Demonstrated ability to track and interpret the rapidly evolving AI landscape, including emerging models, tools, and capabilities relevant to scientific applications.
Ability to communicate complex AI and scientific concepts clearly to diverse technical and non-technical audiences, including researchers, educators, and policymakers.
Experience collaborating with scientists, technical teams, and cross-functional partners.
Experience working in a matrixed team environment.
Proficiency with relevant technical tools (e.g., Python, Jupyter notebooks, AI/ML platforms, data visualization tools).
Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within a national laboratory, research institution, or higher education environment.

Responsibilities

Identify and evaluate authentic scientific problems with the potential to illuminate key AI capabilities and limitations for non-expert audiences.
Design and develop scientific challenge frameworks that authentically integrate AI capabilities, domain science, and human judgment.
Develop and prototype challenge content including scientific storylines, curated datasets, and LLM workflows, iteratively testing across multiple AI platforms to ensure scientific integrity and pedagogical coherence.
Translate challenge frameworks into facilitator-ready resources that explicitly connect AI-enabled scientific inquiry to essential STEM workforce skills.
Prepare and equip participating laboratory teams with the AI knowledge and challenge fluency needed to implement the Jam with fidelity across diverse lab environments.
Support the planning and implementation of Argonne’s local Jam event, including presenting technical content and serving as a scientific and AI resource during the event.
Work in a matrixed environment, coordinating with curriculum developers, the Project Manager, and support teams across Argonne and other national laboratories.
Track and incorporate feedback from pilot testing, educators, and lab partners to iteratively improve Jam content and activities.
Ensure all technical content and activities align with program goals, accessibility standards, and DOE priorities.
Coordinate with the Project Manager on timeline, budget tracking, and cross-lab readiness.